The quality of our relationships directly impacts our mental health, and while improving relationships often enhances mental well-being, better mental health doesn't always improve relationships. Despite evidence showing the benefits of relationship counseling, insurance rarely covers it. Therapists typically have to bill under individual or family therapy codes, meaning only one person is considered the patient. However, relationship therapists see the relationship itself as the "patient," so billing insurance would be unethical and potentially fraudulent. This leads many therapists to offer self-pay services like 90-minute sessions or relationship intensives, allowing for deeper work. While this situation feels unfair, the investment in relationship therapy can be invaluable.

Maintaining connection in long-term relationships can be challenging as daily routines take over. To sustain intimacy, it's important to recognize and respond to "bids for connection"—small gestures that invite closeness. Responding positively to these bids strengthens your relationship, while dismissing them can create distance. Couples counseling can help if you're struggling to connect.